Disney and Miral to Unveil Seventh Theme Park on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

Disney has exciting news for fans worldwide: the company is set to expand its magical empire with a seventh theme park and resort, this time in Abu Dhabi on the picturesque waterfront of Yas Island. This ambitious project is being brought to life in collaboration with Miral, known as Abu Dhabi's premier creator of immersive destinations and experiences. Miral, which has previously developed attractions like Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, and SeaWorld Yas Island, will fully develop, build, and operate this new Disney park.

Despite the operational responsibilities falling to Miral, Disney's Imagineers will play a pivotal role in the project, overseeing the creative design and operational aspects to ensure a world-class experience. Disney's CEO, Bob Iger, emphasized during the Q2 2025 Earnings Call that Disney will not invest capital in the project but will receive royalties, as the agreement centers around Disney licensing its intellectual property to Miral without any ownership stake.

This new theme park resort in Abu Dhabi will be authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati - combing Disney’s iconic stories, characters and attractions with Abu Dhabi’s vibrant culture, stunning shorelines, and breathtaking architecture. ✨ https://t.co/M1GHeYgr4H #YasIsland… pic.twitter.com/IyjODlj9ar

— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) May 7, 2025

In a statement, Iger expressed enthusiasm about the project, noting, "This is a thrilling moment for our company as we announce plans to build an exciting Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, whose culture is rich with an appreciation of the arts and creativity." He described the upcoming park as a blend of contemporary architecture and cutting-edge technology, designed to offer guests deeply immersive entertainment experiences. The park, dubbed "Disneyland Abu Dhabi," aims to be a fusion of authentic Disney magic and distinct Emirati culture, promising to be an oasis of extraordinary Disney entertainment.

While specific details remain sparse, it's confirmed that the park will feature Disney's first-ever modern castle, envisioned as a tower of glass or crystal, with stunning architecture. The concept art hints at the inclusion of Aladdin, aligning with the park's tagline, "A whole new world awaits."

Disney has been discussing this project since 2017, with the plans solidifying last year, according to Iger's interview with ABC News. On the timeline, Iger told CNBC, "We’re not pinning down a date yet. It typically takes us between 18 months and two years to design and fully develop and approximately five years to build but we’re not making any commitments right now."

The strategic location of the park in Abu Dhabi is noteworthy, as approximately one-third of the world's population lives within a four-hour flight of the UAE, which also hosts the world's largest global airline hub. This new park will not only enhance Disney's global footprint but also fill a gap in the Middle East region.

His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman at Miral, highlighted the significance of the project, stating, "Abu Dhabi is a place where heritage meets innovation, where we preserve our past while designing the future. The collaboration between Abu Dhabi and Disney demonstrates the remarkable results of combining visionary leadership and creative excellence."

Upon completion, this park will join the ranks of Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disney Resort, Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, and Shanghai Disney. Josh D'Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, described the upcoming resort as "the most advanced and interactive destination in our portfolio," emphasizing its unique waterfront location and innovative storytelling methods.

For more Disney insights, explore our coverage of a visit to Walt Disney Imagineering to learn about the first-ever Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic, and get all the details on Disneyland's 70th anniversary celebrations and the Disney Destiny.